10 things to know about Roberta Vinci, Serena Williams' conqueror at the US Open

Roberta Vinci after her win against Serena Williams

Italy’s Roberta Vinci shocked the tennis world with her stunning upset over Serena Williams in the semi-finals of the US Open on Friday, ending the American’s bid to become to first player since 1988 to win all the four majors in the same year. For those who are unfamiliar with Vinci, here are 10 things to know about the Italian, who apologized to the crowd after playing the match of her life.

1. 32-year-old Roberta Vinci was born in Taranto, Italy. Her parents are Angelo Vinci, an accountant, and Luisa, a homemaker. She has an older brother, Francesco and is coached by Francesco Cina. She currently resides in Palermo.

2. Vinci had never been to the semi-finals of a Grand Slam in singles prior to the US Open though she has been ranked as high as No. 11 in the world in 2013. She is currently ranked No. 43 in the singles rankings.

3. Vinci is currently ranked 35th in the world in doubles but has been ranked No. 1 in the world in doubles. Her 25 doubles titles include 2 Australian Open titles and one title each at the US Open, French Open and Wimbledon. She partnered with countrywoman Sara Errani to win these titles, in the process becoming one of five teams to complete a career Grand Slam in doubles. The Italian is a three-time year-end world No. 1 in doubles with Errani. After splitting with Errani at the beginning of the season, Vinci has played only 6 doubles events in 2015, so that she could focus on her singles career.

4. Vinci’s opponent in the final is fellow Italian Flavia Pennetta, with whom she won the 1999 French Open girls doubles title. Their head-to-head is 5-4 in Pennetta’s favour.

5. At 5 foot, 4 inches, Vinci is the second shortest player in the WTA Top 50 currently.

6. The 2015 US Open marks Vinci’s 44th Grand Slam tournament. Only one other player played in more majors before making her first semifinal – Elena Likhovtseva at the 2005 French Open.

7. Vinci has won 9 WTA singles titles in her career including a career-best 3 titles in 2011.

8. Vinci has won more than $8 million in career prize money so far. Her run to the final assures her a cheque of $1.6 million if she loses on Saturday, and $3.3. million if she wins.

9. Vinci is only the third unseeded woman to reach the US Open final in the Open era. The other two were Kim Clijsters in 2009 and Venus Williams in 1997.

10. She was 0-4 against Serena Williams before Friday’s semi-final, having failed to win a single set in their previous encounters. This is the first time that Vinci has beaten a World No. 1 player in singles.